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Robert Van Voorst's ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES, now in its fifth edition, is the most widely adopted anthology in comparative world religions courses. Now, for the first time, Wadsworth is pleased to offer Van Voorst's ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES: WESTERN RELIGIONS. This new volume contains not only all of the scriptural selections from the previous ANTHOLOGY, but also newer textual material for each religion that brings scripture study closer to our own time. For example, this Western volume includes readings on Judaism under Christian persecution, Gnosticism, jihad, and the differences between Sunni and Shi'ite Islam. Included in this concise, affordable reader is coverage of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and four new religious movements: Baha'i, the Church of JesusChrist of Latter-Day Saints, Christian Science, and the Unification Church. Van Voorst's characteristic clarity and pedagogical vision make for a student-friendly and scholarly dependable guide to the history, doctrines, ethical systems, structures and rituals of these major Western religions.

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Features and Benefits

Assisting students in their studies of these scripture, this volume includes introductions and explanatory notes for each reading, a glossary, study and discussion questions, suggestions for further reading, and examples of how popular film presents and interprets scriptures.

This volume is accompanied by its own text-specific website. Students receive access to a full set of interactive learning tools, including flashcards and tutorial quizzing, and instructors receive aids for lecturing such as PowerPoint® slides for each chapter.

Table of Contents

Preface.Acknowledgments.1. WESTERN SCRIPTURE AMONG THE WORLD''S RELIGIONS.A Brief History of Scripture Scholarship. The Nature and Definition of Scripture. The Uses of Western Scripture. Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Western Religions through their Scriptures. Western Scriptures and Modern Scholarship. Western Scriptures and the World Wide Web. The Plan of This Book. Suggestions on How to Read Western Scriptures. Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Suggestions for Further Reading.2. ZOROASTRIANISM.A. Introduction. Overview of Structure. Origin and Development. Use. B. History. The Call of Zarathushtra (Yasna 29). A Hymn of Praise to Zarathushtra (Yasht 24: 87b�94). C. Teaching and Ethics. Hymn to Ahura and the Purifying Fire (Yasna 36). Hymn to Ahura Mazda the Creator (Yasna 37:1�5). The Choice between Good and Evil (Yasna 30). D. Worship and Ritual. The Place of the Gathas (Yasna 55:1�3). The Zoroastrian Confession (Yasna 12). The Four Great Prayers (From the Yasna). Disposal of the Dead (Vendidad, Fargard 6, section 5, 44�51). E. Later Developments of Scriptural Themes. Judgment of the Soul on Chinvat Bridge (Menok I Khrat 2.110-195). Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Suggestions for Further Reading.3. JUDAISM.A. Introduction. Names. Overview of Structure. Origin and Development. Use. B. History. The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1�9). The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1�20). Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1�31). The Covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:1�8). A Psalm for David (Psalm 132). Ezra''s Enforcement of Torah Observance (Ezra 9:1�7, 13�15; 10:1�12). C. Teaching. The Oneness of God (Deuteronomy 6:1�9). God''s Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1�31; 2:1�9, 15�25). The Revolt of Humanity (Genesis 3:1�24). Prayer for Divine Deliverance (Psalm 5). The Messianic King (Isaiah 11:1�9). The Final Judgment of the World (Daniel 7:1�14). Resurrection of the Dead (Daniel 12:1�3). D. Ethics. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1�14). Laws on Slaves, Violence, Property (Exodus 21:1�36; 22:15�26). Justice for All (Exodus 23:1�9). Holy War (Deuteronomy 20:1�20). Sexual Love (Song of Songs 1:1�2:17). God''s Call to an Unfaithful People (Amos 4:1�13). Two Views of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:1�33; Ecclesiastes 1:1�9). The Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10�31). E. Organization. The Ordination of Priests (Exodus 29:1�37). A Call to Be a Prophet (Isaiah 6:1�13). Women as Judges and Prophets (Judges 4:4�10, 14�16; II Kings 22:11�20). F. Ritual. The Establishment of Circumcision (Genesis 17:9�14, 23�27). The Establishment of the Passover (Exodus 12:1�19, 24�27). The Observance of the Sabbath (Exodus 31:12�17). Offerings for the Forgiveness of Sin (Leviticus 4:27�5:10). The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1�5, 11�19, 29�34). Kosher and Nonkosher Foods (Leviticus 11:1�31, 41�47). G. Later Developments of Scriptural Themes. The Chain of Rabbinic Tradition: "Sayings of the Fathers" (Mishnah, Aboth 1.1�18). The Replacement of Sacrifice by Study (Babylonian Talmud, Minahot 110a). The Duty to Marry and Have Children (Babylonian Talmud, Yebamoth 61b�63). Why Judaism Survives under Persecution (Maimonides, Letter to Yemen). Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Scriptures in Film. Suggestions for Further Reading.4. CHRISTIANITY.A. Introduction. Names. Overview of Structure. Origin and Development. Use. B. History. The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:18�25). Jesus Denounces Pharisees and Lawyers (Luke 11:37�54). Jesus'' Miracles (Luke 8:26�56). The Arrest, Trial, and Death of Jesus (Mark 14:43�50, 53�65; 15:1�41). The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1�8). The Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:6�11). The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1�21). Persecution of the Apostles (Acts 5:27�42). The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1�21). C. Teaching. The Parables of Jesus (Mark 4:1�34). The Word Became Human (John 1:1�18). Nicodemus Visits Jesus (John 3:1�21). A Sinful Woman Forgiven (Luke 7:36�50). Results of Justification (Romans 5:1�11). The Resurrection of Christ and the Believer (I Corinthians 15:1�11, 35�58). The End of Time (Matthew 25:31�46; Revelation 20:1�21:4). D. Ethics. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5�7). Directions Concerning Marriage (I Corinthians 7:1�16, 25�40). Love (I Corinthians 13:1�13). Ethics in the Christian Household (Ephesians 5:21�6:9). Being Subject to Authorities (Romans 13:1�10). The Fall of Rome (Revelation 17:1�18:5). E. Organization. The Twelve Apostles and Their Mission (Matthew 10:1�15). Matthew''s Church Order (Matthew 18:1�10, 15-22). Peter as the Rock (Matthew 16:13�20). Qualifications of Bishops and Deacons (I Timothy 3:1�13). Women in the Early Church (Luke 10:38�42; I Corinthians 11:2�16; Galatians 3:27�28; I Timothy 2:8�15). F. Ritual. The Eucharist (Matthew 26:17-19, 26�29; John 6:22�40, 52-59). Baptism (Matthew 28:16�20; Romans 6:1�14). Confession and Anointing (James 5:13�18). G. Later Developments of Scriptural Themes. The Scripture Canon in Formation (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.27.2; Muratorian Canon). Early Non-canonical Jesus Tradition (Gospel of Thomas 1-2, 13-14, 18, 22, 29, 42, 49-50, 53, 83-84, 99, 101, 104). Gnostic Christianity and Orthodox Christianity in Conflict (Gospel of Truth 34-43; Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Preface 1.1-2, 7.1-5). Women and Gnosticism (Gospel of Mary 7:8-18). Papal Primacy Derived from Petrine Primacy (Pope Leo I, Sermons 4.2-4). Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Scriptures in Film. Suggestions for Further Reading.5. ISLAM.A. Introduction. Name. Overview of Structure. Origin and Development. Use. B. History. The Call of Muhammad (Qur''an 96; 53:1�18). The Mission of Muhammad (Qur''an 11:1�16; 93). Opposition to Muhammad (Qur''an 52:30�49; 63). The Night Journey (Qur''an 17:1�2). The Flight to Medina (Qur''an 9:40). The Wives of Muhammad (Qur''an 33:28�40, 48�49). The Death of Muhammad (Qur''an 21:34�37). C. Teaching. God''s Absolute Oneness (Qur''an 6:1�103; 112). God''s Names and Power (Qur''an 59:22�24; 24:41�46; 6:95�99). Predestination (Qur''an 42:8�13; 7:177�182). Jinn (Qur''an 72:1�15). Creation (Qur''an 15:16�48; 16:1�17). Adam, Eve, and the Fall (Qur''an 2:28�37). The Holy Qur''an (Qur''an 42:50�53; 46:1�11; 2:81�85). On Jews, Christians and Unbelievers (Qur''an 37:82�110; 3:38�50; 9:1�7; 2:111�121, 132�137). Resurrection and Judgment (Qur''an 75:1�15; 69:14�35). Heaven and Hell (Qur''an 76:1�22; 56:1�39; 77:1�39). D. Ethics. The Conduct of Believers (Qur''an 17:23�39). Women (Qur''an 4:19�22, 34�39; 2:220�223, 227�233). Against Evil Magic (Qur''an 113; 114). Holy War (Qur''an 48:11�21; 2:190�194, 216�218). Law Codes (Qur''an 4:1�10). E. Worship and Ritual. The Opening of the Qur''an (Qur''an 1). Confession of Faith (Qur''an 57:1�7; 37:32�39). Prayer (Qur''an 2:142�149). Alms (Qur''an 107; 9:53�60). The Fast (Qur''an 2:183�186). Pilgrimage (Qur''an 2:124�130; 106; 2:196�199). The Mosque (Qur''an 24:36�38; 9:15�18). F. Later Developments of Scriptural Themes. Selections from the Hadith: On Innovations. On Ritual Washings. On Prayer. On Alms. On God. On the Power of Reading the Qur''an. On the Martyr in Holy War. A Sunni Statement of Faith (al-Ashari, Essence of Our Belief). Shi''ite Belief: The Twelve Imams (Ibn Babawayh al-Qummi, Risalutu''l �Itaqadat 140, 142, 147). Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Scriptures in Film. Suggestions for Further Reading.6. NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS.A. Introduction. Names. Overview of Structure. Origin and Development. Use. B. The Scripture of Baha''i. The Essence of Baha''i Teaching (Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, Preface). Baha''i, Islam and Christianity (The Bab, Qayyumu''l-Asma, 1, 61-62). Baha''i Laws (Baha''u''llah, Kitab-I-Aqdas, 1-2, 12-14, 16, 30-34, 45, 49, 56, 63-65, 149-150, 189). Baha''i Prayers (Short Obligatory Prayer, Long Obligatory Prayer, Prayer for America). C. The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Joseph Smith''s Story (Pearl of Great Price, "Joseph Smith�History 1" 1-22, 25-35, 40-47, 51-54, 59-62, 67-74). The First Description of the Book of Mormon (Book of Mormon, "Original Title Page"). The Coming of Jesus Christ in 34 C.E. to the New World (Book of Mormon, "3 Nephi" 11.1-41; 18:36-39). Destruction of the Nephites and Burial of the Golden Plates (Book of Mormon, "Mormon" 6:1-3, 6-11, 16-22). Preparations for the Trek to Utah (Doctrine and Covenants, 136.1-11, 17-24, 30-42). The Essence of Latter-Day Saint Teaching (Pearl of Great Price, "Articles of Faith" 1-13). Church Pronouncements on Polygamy and Men of African Descent (Doctrine and Covenants, "Official Declarations" 1, 2). D. The Scripture of Christian Science. Introduction to Christian Science Scripture and to the Work of Mary Baker Eddy (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Preface"). The Essence of Christian Science Teaching (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Recapitulation"). Prayer and its Role (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Prayer"). Healing Practices (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Christian Science Practice"). Interpretation of Genesis 1 (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Genesis"). Three Testimonials to Healing (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Fruitage"). E. The Scripture of the Unification Church. Dual Characteristics of the Universe and of God (Divine Principle 1.1.1.1). The Purpose of the Creation of the Universe (Divine Principle 1.1.3.1). The Spiritual and Physical Falls of Adam and Eve (Divine Principle 1.2.2.1-2). The Restoration of Humanity (Divine Principle 1.3. Introduction-1.1). Salvation through the Second Messiah, the True Parent (Divine Principle 2, Introduction). The Advent of the Second Messiah as a Korean (Divine Principle 2.6, Introduction; 2.6.3.2-3). Glossary. Questions for Study and Discussion. Scriptures in Film. Suggestions for Further Reading.Index.

Meet the Author

Author Bio

Robert E. Van Voorst

Dr. Robert E. Van Voorst is Professor of New Testament Studies at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and former professor of religion at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 1995. He has served as a visiting professor in Oxford University and Zhejiang University in China. Van Voorst has written frequently on religious studies in noted journals and reference works. In addition, he has authored numerous books, including six with Cengage Learning: RELG: WORLD, 3rd Edition; READINGS IN CHRISTIANITY, 3rd Edition; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES, 9th Edition; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES: EASTERN RELIGIONS; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES: WESTERN RELIGIONS; and READING THE NEW TESTAMENT TODAY, now also in a Chinese version. Other books by Van Voorst include BUILDING YOUR NEW TESTAMENT GREEK VOCABULARY, 3rd Edition; THE ASCENTS OF JAMES, a recovery and commentary on a second-century Jewish-Christian document; and JESUS OUTSIDE THE NEW TESTAMENT, an examination of traditions about Jesus in ancient classical and Jewish documents, now also in Italian.

Dr. Robert E. Van Voorst is Professor of New Testament Studies at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and former professor of religion at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 1995. He has served as a visiting professor in Oxford University and Zhejiang University in China. Van Voorst has written frequently on religious studies in noted journals and reference works. In addition, he has authored numerous books, including six with Cengage Learning: RELG: WORLD, 3rd Edition; READINGS IN CHRISTIANITY, 3rd Edition; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES, 9th Edition; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES: EASTERN RELIGIONS; ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD SCRIPTURES: WESTERN RELIGIONS; and READING THE NEW TESTAMENT TODAY, now also in a Chinese version. Other books by Van Voorst include BUILDING YOUR NEW TESTAMENT GREEK VOCABULARY, 3rd Edition; THE ASCENTS OF JAMES, a recovery and commentary on a second-century Jewish-Christian document; and JESUS OUTSIDE THE NEW TESTAMENT, an examination of traditions about Jesus in ancient classical and Jewish documents, now also in Italian.